Nueva York, 3 November 2016. “Cuba reaffirms its commitment to continue contributing to the improvement and effectiveness of the work of the Committee, by means of comprehensive processes of deliberation, consultation, negotiation and collaboration among its Members, and promoting the active participation of other States.”, considered today at the Sixth Committee, the Head of the International Law Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, cra. Anet Pino Rivero, under Agenda item: ““Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country”.
Within this framework and on behalf of Cuba, she reiterated that the application of restrictions on the movement of Cuban diplomats and international officials with Cuban citizenship, accredited to the United Nations or working in it, is unjust, selective, discriminatory and politically-motivated, and openly contravenes the Host Country’s obligations contained in the Headquarters Agreement and the rules of Diplomatic Law. In this regard, she pointed out that The Host Country continues failing to take concrete steps to eliminate this unjustifiable measure preventing the Cuban personnel from traveling beyond a 25-mile radius from Columbus Circle. “This arbitrary and unjustified restriction is contrary to the general rule on the free movement of diplomats, and must be immediately eliminated”, she highlighted.
On the question of “Acceleration of immigration and customs procedures”, she appreciated the efforts made by the Host Country, while considering of vital importance that diplomatic courtesies are extended, and that fair treatment at airports is provided to the diplomatic personnel of Member States.
At the end of her statement, the Cuban diplomat acknowledged the efforts and cooperation of the representatives of the Host Country office, while preparing the High-Level Segment of the 71st session of the General Assembly and reiterated Cuba’s commitment to work with all Members of the Committee to enforce the relevant provisions of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, of the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and of the Headquarters Agreement, in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner, and fully respecting the sovereignty of States and the Organization. (Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations)